Many Townsville residents battled the flu this Easter and Anzac Day break, with after-hours doctors responding to 25 cases.

Queensland’s largest after-hours home doctor service, House Call Doctor, attended patients with flu-like symptoms in suburbs including Aitkenvale, Heatley and Mount Louisa during the break.

House Call Doctor’s Doctor Ryan Harvey said the flu-like symptoms corresponded with a drop in temperature.

“As winter fast approaches, we urge our patients to be aware of the risk of contracting the flu and recommend they take preventative measures to stay on top of their health,” he said.

“The influenza virus is an airborne illness, most commonly passed on when people cough and release small droplets into the air.

“These droplets contain the virus and can land on people or surfaces, where it can easily be picked up. It is highly contagious.”

House Call Doctor’s general manager James Wood said the service performed 3500 home visits over the Easter/Anzac Day break across Queensland and northern NSW.

“House Call Doctor visits patients in their own home, when their regular GP is closed,” Mr Wood said.

“Many GPs have a well-earned rest with the public holidays and that’s where we’ve been able to help fill the gap so that those who fall ill aren’t forced to attend hospital emergency departments.”

Residents are being warned to prepare for the imminent flu season with more than 20,000 influenza cases reported nationwide so far this year.

More information can be found on the House Call Doctor website.

Original Source: Townsville Bulletin | 29 April 2019